Envelop-printing machine.



No. 819,763. I PATENTED MAY 8, 1906. M. P. KENNA. ENVELOP PRINTINGMACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 31, 1905 3 SEEETSSHEET 1.

Allorney PATENTBD MAY 8, 1906.

, M. P. KENNA. ENVELOP PRINTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 31, 1905.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2v o INVENITOR W 99 7M PATENTED MAY 8, 1906.

M. P. KENNA. v ENVELOP PRINTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 31, 1905.

3 SHEETS SHEBT 3.

N [/VVE/VTOR MICHAEL P. KENNA, OF DUBUQUE, IOWA.

ENVELOP-PRINTING MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent Patented May 8, 1906.

A li ti fil d January 31, 1905. Serial No. 243,486.

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that 1, MICHAEL P. KENNA, a citizen of.the United States,residing at'Dubu ue, in the county of Dubuque and State of l owa, haveinvented certain new and useful Improvements in Envelop-PrintingMachines, of which the following is a specificathe appended claims.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of a machine constructedin accordance with my invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view lookingfrom the op osite side of the machine. Fig. 3 is a detail view, artlybroken away, of the lower printing-rol er. Fig. 4 is a detail view ofthe upper printing-roller,

part of the envelop-receptacle, and contigu-.

ous details. F i 5 is a perspective view of the printing-rol ers anddelivery-tapes forthe printed envelops. Fig. 6 is a perspective viewshowing one end of the up er printingroller and part of the devices fbrengaging and feeding the envelops successively around to theprinting-point. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a portion of theupper roller and one set of the envelop-engaging means. Fig. 8 is aperspective view showing a portion of the upper roller and lower end ofthe envelop-receptacle and showing in dotted lines an envelop in theposition in which it is engaged by the clips or nippers.

My invention embodies improvements in certain of the features disclosedin two 00- pending applications, one filed on November 23, 1903, SerialNo.'182,381, and the other filed on August 23, 1904, Serial No. 221,852,these improvements being -directed to the means for engaging theenvelops and withdrawing same from their receptacle and feeding them tothe printing-point, the means for securing the electrotype, stereotype,rubber, or other printing plates to the lower printingroller, the' tapesor belts for delivering the rinted envelops to a receptacle, and othereatures, all combining to produce a machine which will be improvedm itsgeneral construction and whose general efficiency is also im roved.

and Y indicate the su erposed printing rollers or cylinders rotatabl jmounted in the frame Z of the machine and adapted to be operated in amanner similar to the printingcylinders seen in myaforesaid application,Serial No. 182,381,'and b means substantially like the means disc osedin the lastmentioned application, and which means peed not, therefore,be specifically'described ereln.

B indicates the envelop-receptacle, adapted to contain the envelops andfeed the same sively from the receptacle B comprises three sets ofdevices and arranged at equidistant points around the upper cylinder,and each set comprises a rod or shaft D, the ends .of

which are journaled in and project somewhat beyond the heads of the saidcylinder,'and

fingers or spurs A A, the fin er A beingintegral with or fixedly secureto one'end of a rod D, while the finger A is adjustably mounted u on therod, so as to be adjusted toward or is loose upon the rod and isadaptedto be secured in adjusted position u on the rod by means ofset-screw c. The as shown, so that each has a ortion a, which liesparallel with the circumferential surface of the cylinder and saidportions a of each set extending inward toward each other sufiicientlyfar to engage with the open fla of the lowermost envelop in thereceptacle By making one of the fingers of each set adjustable u on itssupporting-rod each pair of fingers wi be adapted to properly engagewith envelops of varying lengths. mitting the finger to be adjusted uponthe rod the cylinder is provided with a slot the finger A extendingthrough said slot. rods D are rigidly secured to arms L, respectivelwhich arms carry each at its outer end a rol er L, and each of therbd'sj D carries a gers are bent,

The

om the finger A. The finger A For perwhile the opposite end is bentoutwardly and .gaged by the fingers ast bears against the inner surfaceofthe cylin- The function of each spring D is to turn I the rod or shaftD into a position with the fingers A A in a closed positionthat is, in aposition clamping the flap of an envelop between them and the surface ofthe cylinder, the said envelop having reviously been eney passed beneaththe receptacle B. In connection with the coiled springs I employadditional means to insure t e clamping down of the fingers upon theflaps of the envelops in the event that there should be any irregularityinthe action-of the coiled springs, said additional means cooperatingwlth the said springs for'the described purpose, and I also employ meansfor causing the fingers to release the envelops after the latter have inturn passed the printing-point, and these various means comprise a camshaped piece A secured by posts 2 to the frame 'Z of the machine, said,cam being of a length to extend substantially half a circle or aboutone-half 1 around the head .of the upper cylinder. A

is a second cam-shaped piece also secured to the frame Z by posts 2. Alink or connect-' ing-piece 2 connects the two cams, as shown. The cam-Ais of greater length than the cam A and is substantially semicircular,the osition of the two .cams relatively to each ot er and to thecylinder X being substantially as shown in Fig. 5.

In practice atleast a ortion of the-inner edge of the cam A, sho d be atrifle nearer the central axis or shaft of the upper cylinder thantheouter edge of the'shorter cam for a purplose presently apparent.

T e location of the cams relatively to each other is such that duringthe rotation of'the cylinder-X each roller will ride upon the outercurved edge of the cam A and in conjunction I with the coiled springswing its arm L to cause rod D to artially turn and cause the fingers toclose own upon the flap engaged by the fingers.

The action of the cam A? upon each ofthe rollers begins just after thefingers have entered within the open flap of the lowermost envelop, andthe fingers are under the positive action of the cam A kept cl'oseduponthefia until the envelop has been printed, and .t en the roller clearsthe 4 edge of-the cam A and next rides against the inner edge of thelonger cam, and as the said inner edge, or at least a portion thereof,is nearer the central axis or shaft of the upper cylinder than the outeredge of the shorter cam the roller will be forced inwardly towardthe-said central axis by said inner edge of cam A suificiently to rockthe rod D reversely, and thus raise the fingers away from the flap ofthe printed envelop, thus permitpasses around a pulley H slaves ting thelatter to fall upon the delivery-tapes 'presentl to be described.

- It wil be noted that the freeing of the envelop Wlll occur ust afterthe same has been printed.

The roller will remain in contact with the inner edge of cam A untilthefingers (whichv are now in an open osition) have engaged with theopen flap o the lowermost envelop in receptacle B, and by this time theroller has reached a point where it will again ride upon the outer edgeof the cam A and be operated to cause the fingers to clamp down upon thefia of the envelop just previous y engaged by t e fingers.

H is an endless tape which asses around a pulley H mounted on a she t H,journaled in the frame Z, and which tape partially encompasses thecylinder X and also asses around a pulley 0 on shaft 0 and a pu ley m ona shaft M.

H indicates a second endless tape which on shaft H partially encompassesthe cylinder X, and also passes around the pulley 0 on the shaft 0. Thetwo tapes H H cooperate to clamp the envelops closely around thecylinder as they are fed to the printing-point and prevent the bul ingor springing outward of the envelop whi e being printed.

After the envelop has been printed the tape H, assisted by the endlesstape H, delivers the same to a receptacle J at the rear of the machine.The tape H runs over pulleys h h mounted, res ectively, on the shaft Mand at the up er en of a standard h carried by the base 0 themachine-frame.

The shaft M is supported by arms M, each of which-is made in sectionsadjustable lengthwise by means of a slot-and-pin connection, as seen atm m, whereby to adapt the delivery devices to the varying s'izes ofenvelops.

The endless tapes H H H are operated by means of suitable gearing, asindicated at N, interposed between the shaft H and the shaft of theupper cylinder.

For t e purpose of attaching the electrotype, stereot pe, or otherprinting plate to the lower cy inder Y, I construct the latter withthree slots 0, extending transversely of the cylinder and nearly theentire length thereof. The slots are at equidistant points around thecylinder.

Extending from end to end of the cylinder Y within the latter and atpoints directl under the slots are three rods 0, each rod eing threadedfor at least a portion of its len th. Upon the threaded portion of eachr0 is mounted a jaw 0 which is adapted for free erates with the jaw O toclampa printingsecured at one end to the chine and extending rearwardly,and sup-- meshing gear-wheels X plate 0 and hold it securely inposition, as seen plainly in Fig. 3.

For the purpose of turning the rods 0 in one direction or the other tocause the movable jaw to be adjusted toward or from the jaw O to therebyclamp a printing-plate or release the same each rod is extended at oneend through the head of the cylinder and is squared at that end, whereba wrench ma be a plied thereto to turn t e rod.

The a justability of one of the jaws tovides also for clampingprinting-plates o varying lengths.

The printing-plates are beveled at the ends, and the engaging ends ofthe jaws are angularly bent, so as to enga e the beveled ends of theplates, all as seen p ainly in Fig. 3. The

rinting-plates of course are curved to conform to t e curvature of thecylinder.

The devices for receivin the printed envelops comprise horizonta-arranged arms ase of the ma- %orted in the rear ends of the arms is aroller around which passes a rope E, from one end of which is suspendeda weight E, which counterbalances a sheet-metal receptacle J. The baseof the receptaclerests in an angular bar E to which the other end of.the rope'is attached and which is adapted for verticallysliding movementwithin standards E secured to the arms E. The receptacle J is in aposition to adapt it to receive the printed envelops discharged by thedelivery-belts, and as the receptacle becomesiilled with the envelops itwill descend to-about on a line with the roller E, when the receptaclemay be lifted out .and emptied of its contents, another empty receptaclein the meanwhile bein placed in position upon the bar E.

he inking device for supplying ink to the printing-plates comprises aseries of ink-rollers G, supported by standards or cheek-pieces G,secured to the base of the machine, these rollers being rotated bysuitable gearing, as S, from the shaft of the lower printing-cylinder.The rollers G are arranged in a position to adapt them to supply ink tothe printing plates during the rotation of the c linder Y.

The machine may be operated l; hand or by power. I have shown the shaftsof cylinders X Y as being provided with inter- Y, the former beingprovided with a crank for operating the machine by hand.

What i claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is r 1. In amachine of the character described, the combination with anenvelop-receptacle and an impression-cylinder arranged in operativerelation to the discharge end of said receptacle, of means for engagingthe flap of the lowermost envelo contained within the receptacle,withdrawing it from the latter and feeding it around to therinting-point comprising a rock-shaft carrie by the cylinder, spurs orfingers carried by said shaft, one of sald fingers being adjustablymounted upon the shaft to adapt it to be adjusted toward and from theother finger, and means for rocln'ng the shaft at a predetermined periodduring the rotation of the cylinder to cause the fingers to clam downupon the flap of an envelop previous y engaged by the fingers.

2. In a machine of the character described, the combination with anenvelop-receptacle and an impression-cylinder arranged in 0 erativerelation to the discharge end of sai receptacle, of means for engagingthe flap of the lowermost envelop contained within the receptacle,withdrawing it from the latter and feeding it around to theprinting-point comprising a rock-shaft carried by the cylinder, spurs orfingers carried by said shaft, one

of sa1d fingers. being adjustably mounted upon the shaft to adapt it tobe adjusted toward and from the other finger, and means for rocln'ng theshaft at a predetermined period during the rotation of the cylinder tocause the fingers to clamp down u on the flap of an envelop previouslyengage b the fingers, and. means for rocking the sha reversely to causethe fingers to release the flap, as described:

3-. In a machine of the character described, the combination with anenvelop-receptacle, and an impression-cylinder arranged in operativerelation to the discharge end of said receptacle, of means for engagingthe flap of the lowermost envelop contained in thereceptacle,'withdrawing it from the latter and feeding it around to theprinting-point com prising a rock-shaft arranged within the'cylmder androtatably mounted in the heads thereof, spurs or fingers carried b theshaft, one of said fingers being adjustab y mounted upon the shaft toadapt it to be adjusted toward and from the other finger, and means forrocking the shaft at a predetermined period during the rotation of thecylinder to cause the fingers to clamp down upon the flaps of an enveloppreviously engaged by the fingers, comprislng a coiled spring mountedupon the shaft within the cylinder operating to rock the shaft to causethe fingers to clamp down u on said flap, as described.

4. In a mac 'ne of the character described, the combination with anenvelop-receptacle, and an impression-cylinder arranged in op erativerelation to the discharge end of the rece tacle, of means for engagingthe flap of the lowermost envelop contained in the receptacle,withdrawing it from the latter and feeding it around to theprinting-point com, rising a rock-shaft carried within the cylinder androtatably mounted in the heads thereof, one end of the shaft extendin beyond a head of the cylinder, a spur 0r ger- 1 roller to ride upon thethe combination with a supporting-frame,

-11 running over the various pul mounted upon said extended end of theshaft, a second spur or finger adjustably mounted upon the shaft withinthe cyl nder and projecting through a transverse slot 1n the latter, andmeans for rocking the shaft at a predetermined period duringthe-rotation of the cylinder to cause the fingers to clam down upon theflap of an envelop previously engaged by the fingers.

5. n a machine of the character described, the combination with anenvelop-receptacle and an impression-cylinder arranged in op erativerelation to the discharge end of the recelptacle, of means for engagingthe flap of t lowermost envelop contained withinthe receptacle,withdrawing it from the latter and feeding it around to therinting-point com prising a rock-shaft carried by the cylinder, spurs orfingers carried by the shaft, an arm secured to one end of the shaft, aroller on said arm, and a cam mounted independently of the cylinder andin a position to cause the edge of the cam and be operated thereby tocause the shaft to rock at a predetermined period during the rotation ofthe cylinder to cause the fingers to clamp downupon the flap of anenvelop previouslyen aged by the fingers.

6. In a maciine'of the character described,

the combination with a supporting-frame,

an envelop-receptacle and an impressioncylinder arranged in operativerelation to, the discharge end of the receptacle, of ashaft H mounted inthe frame, pulleys on saidshaft, a shaft 0 mounted in the frame, pulleyson the latter shaft, a shaft M, support ing-arms for the last-namedshaft, a standard carried b the base of the frame, a roller on said stanard, and endless tapes H, H eys in the manner described.

7. In a machine of the characterdescribed,

an envelop-rece tacle and an impressioncylinder arrange in operativerelation to the discharge end of the receptacle, of a shaft H mounted inthe frame, ulleys on said shaft, a shaft 0 mounted int e-frame,;p ulleyson the latter shaft, a shaft M,supporting-arms for the last-named shaft,said arms being adjustable in length, a standard carried by the base ofthe frame, a roller on said standard, and endless tapes'H, H H runningover the various pulleys in the mannerdescribed.

8, In a machine of the character described,

the combination with an envelop-receptacle and an impression-cylinderarranged in operative relation to the discharge end of said receptacle,of means for engaging the flap of the owermost envelo contains withinthe receptacle, withdrawing it fromthe latter and feeding it around tothe printing-point comprising a rook-shaft arranged within the cylindervand extending lengthwise thereof and having a bearing in the ends of thecyleaves inder, spurs or fingers carried said shaft,

one of said spurs projecting through a longitudinal slot in thecylinder, and means for rocking the shaft at a predetermined periodduring the rotation of the cylinder to cause the fingers to clamp down'upon the flap of an envelop previously en aged by the fingers.

9. In a machine of-t e character described, the combination with anenvelop-receptacle and an impression-cylinder arranged in operativerelation to the discharge end of said receptacle, of means for engagingthe-flap of the lowermost envelop contalned 'within the receptacle,withdrawin it from the latter and feeding it aroun -.to theprintingpoint comprising a rock shaft arranged within the cylinder andextending lengthwise thereof and having a bearing in the ends of thecylinder, spurs or fingers carried by said shaft, one of said spursprojecting through a longitudinal slot 1D the cylinder and the otherspur bein mounted upon .a projecting end of the shat exteriorly of thecylinder, and means for rocking the shaft at a predetermined periodduring the .rotation of the cylinder to cause the fingers to clamp downupon the flap of an envelop previously engaged by the fingers.

10. In a machine of the character described, the combination with anenvelop receptacle and an impression-cylinder arranged in operativerelation to the discharge end of the rece tacle, of means for engaginthe flap of the lowermost envelop containe within the receptacle,withdrawmg it from the latter and feeding it around to theprinting-point comprising a rock-shaft carried .by the cylinder spurs orfingers carried by the shaft, an arm secured to one end of the shaft, 1

a roller on said arm, a sprin arranged to exert its stress upon theshaft in the manner set forth, and a cam mounted independently of thecylinder and in a position to cause the roller to ride upon-the edge ofthe cam and be operated. thereby to cause the shaft to rock at .apredetermined period during the rotation of the cylinder to cause thefingers to clamp down upon the flap of an envelop previously engaged bythe fingers. 11. In a machine of the character described, thecombination With an envelopreceptacle and an impression-cylinderarranged'in operative relation to the discharge end of thereceptacle,1of means for engagin the flap of the lowermost envelopcontame within the receptacle, withdrawing it from the latter andfeeding it around to the printing point comprising a rock -shaft carriedby the cylinder, spurs or fingers carried by the shaft, an arm securedto one end of the shaft, aroller on said arm, a cam mountedindependently of the cylinder and in a position to cause the roller toride upon. theedge of the cam and be operated thereby to cause the shaftto rock at a'predetermined period during the rotation of the cylinder tocause the fingers to clamp down upon the flap of an.

envelop previously engaged by the fingers, and a second cam also mountedindependently of the cylinder and operating u on the roller at apredetermined period to e ect the reverse turning of the shaft and causethe fingers to release the flap of the envelop after the latter has beenprinted.

12. In a machine of 'the character de-. scribed, the combination With asup ortingframe, printin devices carried there y, and delivery-belts lorthe printed envelops, of a device for receiving the printed envelopsfrom the delivery-belts comprising standards secured torearwardly-extending arms of the frame, a roller rotatably mounted insaid arms, a bar slidably mounted Within the standards, a receptacleremovably supported on said bar, a rope secured at one end to the 20MICHAEL PQKENNA.

Witnesses:

H. B. SPENsLEY, ALEX. Simmer.

